Bengaluru

Ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled in Bengaluru on Saturday, Congress MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan expressed confidence that Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D K Shivakumar would be elected as the next leader of the legislature party and subsequently take over as Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Pathan said the gathering had been convened to formally elect a new CLP leader following the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“The CLP meeting will be held at 4 pm today. Senior leaders including Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar, Randeep Singh Surjewala and all Congress MLAs will be present. As elected representatives of the party, we will choose our leader during the meeting,” he said.

Backing Shivakumar’s candidature, Pathan highlighted his long association with the Congress and his contribution to the organisation over the past four decades.

“For nearly 40 years, D K Shivakumar has worked tirelessly for the Congress party. He has been elected as an MLA multiple times, supported countless people and dedicated himself completely to strengthening the party. I am confident that he will be chosen as our next Chief Minister,” the MLA said.

The CLP meeting assumes significance as the Congress prepares for a leadership transition in Karnataka. The development follows Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s acceptance of Siddaramaiah’s resignation on Friday and the dissolution of the Council of Ministers. Siddaramaiah has, however, been asked to continue in office until alternative arrangements are finalised.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar reiterated that decisions regarding Rajya Sabha nominations, MLC appointments and other organisational matters would be taken by the party’s central leadership.

“We will announce our list along with those of other states. The party high command will take a call on these matters and communicate its decision. Such issues are beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.

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On Friday, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met senior Congress leaders in New Delhi to discuss the party’s future course and the formation of the next cabinet in Karnataka. The outcome of Saturday’s CLP meeting is expected to formally set the stage for the state’s new leadership.